News 11:00

BULLETIN 24 September 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The African Transformation Movement urges government to protect sacred sites
# A sunken superyacht is believed to contain watertight safes with sensitive intelligence data
# And tennis, an injured Emma Raducanu withdraws from the Beijing Open

# In commemoration of Heritage Day, the African Transformation Movement urges the government to protect and restore sacred heritage sites for the BaSotho people. The party warns that BaSotho cultural heritage is under threat following the government’s 2016 privatisation of sacred sites at Mautse and Clarens in the Free State. ATM’s Tommy Ancell criticised government intimidation tactics aimed at silencing their efforts to restore these sites and promote cultural tourism for economic upliftment:

# The government will receive the remains of 49 liberation fighters who died in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia this week. Led by Sports minister Gayton Mackenzie and Defence minister Angie Motshekga, the remains will arrive at Waterkloof Air Force Base and followed by a homecoming ceremony at Freedom Park. Reburial ceremonies will be held in their provinces of origin. The government says this initiative honours their sacrifices and underscores the nation’s commitment to remembering its liberation heroes.

# Western Cape premier Alan Winde says Africa should not be left behind in global climate talks, as it is the breadbasket of the world. Currently in the United States as Africa’s co-chair for New York Climate Week, Winde states the continent bears the brunt of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts, despite contributing less to the problem. The eight-day event concludes on Sunday. The premier advocates for stronger collaboration on climate action: 

# Specialist divers surveying the wreckage of the superyacht, Bayesian, that sank off Sicily in August, have asked for heightened security to guard the vessel, over concerns that sensitive data locked in its safes may interest foreign governments. Seven people were killed in the accident, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch. Lynch was associated with British, American and other intelligence services through his various companies. Divers will soon make suggestions for how to best raise the 473-ton vessel to the surface and how to protect any sensitive data.

# And tennis: Emma Raducanu has pulled out of this week’s China Open in Beijing because of a foot injury. The 21-year-old Briton had to retire injured from her Korea Open quarter-final in Seoul on Saturday. Raducanu’s name appeared in the Beijing draw when it was released on Monday before she withdrew shortly afterwards. After missing the bulk of last season due to wrist and ankle injuries, Raducanu has made a steady climb back up the rankings this year to 54th. It is Raducanu’s highest position since August 2022.

Stay tuned for more news………….